Handbags... luxury ones....

[alfabetty]

I have decided I am going to treat myself to a 'good' handbag. Having never spent over a few hundred pounds on a bag, I am bit in the dark as to what a 'luxury' handbag should be about.

Am prepared to spend whatever it takes....

A quick mooch online made me think I like Lanvin - soft leather, slouchy, not too big, not too structured. Defintely no big buckles and pockets.

Not keen on Mulberry-style. Had considered a Chanel bag. But is that too conservative? And what colour? I spend a lot of time abroad so the classic black Chanel might not be so wearable in more summery weather.

But I'm definitely going for classic, I don't want the latest 'it' bag that is dated in a few months. And I dress in quite a classic way - think Sam Cam rather than Sam Fox.

Grateful for any guidance

You won't go wrong with a Chanel 2.55. Totally classic and utterly covetable.

Thanks again!

I tend to carry less these days - phone, keys, small diary, occasionally a book so perhaps a large size might suit, but against that, I'd like it to be small enough to double as an evening bag. That's probably more important than being able to fit a book in.

And a few snacks for the kids and a pack of tissues! (This is Mumsnet after all)

Have had a couple of recces to Bond St but not yet found the one - always been a bit rushed. Will have a look on the purse forum too.

The jumbo isn't really that large (well, comparing it to other bags out there), and is my preferred size. How much do you carry usually?

A 2.55 in black?

Are other colours too mumsy? I spend most of my time when I'll be using the bag in a very hot climate so am open to a lighter colour (or tan?) but is that not the classic look I'm going for?

Sorry, x posts. You will probably need a jumbo. The size down will fit wallet, key, phone and that is about it.

Black is classic, and definitely not mumsy. Do they still do metallics? If so, metallic black is really nice. Otherwise, grey, gold, or red.

Thank you SofaQueen.

And what sort of price range would a jumbo be? Is it worth buying at Heathrow duty free (or overseas - Asia?) or is availability not so good? Better off going to the store in Bond St?

Definitely go to Bond Street. I think a jumbo is about 2500 pounds now (been several years since I last purchased one).

Thanks. Am quite keen to make a purchase, and don't have a huge amount of time to go shopping. Will pop up to Bond St.

I may even come back and post a picture - will be after Xmas now

I would go black, I think.

Thank you. Black is the classic I guess. And will go with most outfits.

Thanks so much for your advice, everyone.

I have the medium and love it - but don't use it everyday (it would not fit a book for commuting and would not see it hanging off my ancient bugaboo on my days off!)
You should definitely call round in advance - at this time of year this close to Xmas it may not be easy to get one. My DH struggled a bit last year when he was looking. Also not sure how easy it is to get the Mademoiselle clasp.

Ack, my bag shopping has been spoiled by the Anya Hindmarch Cornelia! Was going to be happy with a Lulu Guinness Anna but not now

One that I have recently fallen in lone with is the Lady Dior. Won't be buying as cannot justify that much on a bag at the moment but it it is beautiful and classic - not sure how well Dior bags last though.

Loving this thread

The only thing I'd say is that I get bored of bags and have gucci, anya, mulberry etc but tend to like a new one every year really [fickle]

And the chanel - well I'm not sure if it is a forever baby - 10 years ago they were only used by women of a certain age but they have certainly enjoyed a renaissance in recent years.

If I was spending £2,500 think I'd be going for Hermes or which is the make that Bonsoir rates - umm Delecaux or something like that . . .

Delvaux

Forever baby! Honestly I must not get bags and babies confused

I am not sure if this is entirely relevant to this thread, however when recently investigating I was really surprised that the Mulberry Bayswater bag isn't lined. At the price they sell at I think they should be! I didn't go for it, I got a lovely bag for about 1/3 of the price from Furla in the end - a make which I think is somewhat underrated.

that delvaux is nice traceybath, but I'd still go for the chanel

If you want a classic bag like Chanel or Hermès, there is always Goyard which doesn't do seasonal bags and is less ubiquitous. You really must go to the store in person (preferably the original Paris one!).

emo, some of the bayswaters are lined, but the ordinary ones - in black, oak and chocolate- aren't really meant to be kind of bag, if you see what I mean? They're meant to get used and battered and slouchy. The oak especially looks lovely when it's a bit battered.

Bonsoir, the Goyard bags could be a really good option - as you say, less ubiquitous but still luxurious. I will pop in to the London store - doubt I'll make it to Paris though DH might, and he's pretty good at choosing that sort of thing!

I have a Goyard (it's at least 10 years old) but have never had a Chanel or Hermès bag. Otherwise I've had lots of Prada bags (a couple still going strong, many RIP), and otherwise Gucci and Marni as well as many and varied nameless bags, mostly bought on travels abroad. I'm not really a hoarder of bags (tend to wear one to death and then buy another new one) as most of them are really not "investments" or "classics" despite what their marketing people like to try to make us believe. But my Goyard bag is really nice, ten years on! As is my Prada silk velvet evening bag (but oh so fragile ).

2.55 in grey, very limited edition

I would buy this and get it repaired. I don't like black, too dark for me. And I hate the gold handles, they look brassy to me.

I really covet this bag but I don't have £1850 lying around.